Mendoza Station - Malbec @@@ (3 corks)

Retails: $5.99 (Total Wine)

For those of you who enjoy reds with deep flavor (Merlot, Pinot Noir) I suggest that you try a malbec. Rich with tannins, this red varietal is a wine to be savored. Malbec, an actual grape and not a blend, originated in France and later became popular in Argentina, where this wine originates.

The Mendoza Station Malbec is a decent wine for the price. Although not my favorite malbec, it's a decent introduction to this varietal. Rumored to be quickly becoming the "national varietal" this Argentine Malbec is a deep purple-crimson. Tannins are the flavor that resonate the most within this wine. Tannins are quite present in the smell and from the initial flavors enveloping your taste buds. If you love tannins, you'll love this wine.

For you wine neophytes out there who may not be hip to the lingo (which is cool, I don't claim to be a pro, just a fan), "tannin" is an organic compound that causes the dry, puckery flavor in wines. It is present in the skins, seeds and stem of the grape which are fermented along with the pulp in many varietals, thus causing the tannin flavor to come out in certain wines. This is particularly true with reference to the skins which are fermented with the pulp to extract color. You may recognize the term from the chemical used to treat leather. If you're new to the wine world, you may find wine with tannin flavor difficult to drink. Try pairing it with a savory steak or some other dish that provides a very robust taste in the palette (Italian dishes with rich meat sauces, for example).

Final Words: If you try this Malbec and hate it, don't let it discourage you from trying other Malbecs.